On 26 September 2012, officials from Jersey met with the Bailiwick of Guernsey Fisheries Management Commission, comprising representatives from Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. The meeting was arranged to allow the Jersey delegation to consider the new Bailiwick fisheries licensing scheme, which will come into force on 1 February 2013.

During the meeting, Guernsey officials presented the detail of the new scheme to the Jersey delegation, including the criteria for granting licences and the procedures for applying for a licence that are directly relevant to Jersey’s fishermen.

Commenting on the process of assuring the rights of Jersey fishermen, Senator Bailhache said: “We have been fully informed of the proposals by Deputy Brouard, the Deputy Minister for Commerce and Employment in Guernsey, and have received briefings from our own officials. I will continue to watch developments closely to ensure the new Guernsey fisheries licensing arrangements are implemented consistently and fairly with respect to our fishermen.

“The Jersey authorities will, of course, be pleased to advise any Jersey fishermen who wish to apply for a licence for Guernsey waters and our officials will do as much as they can to assist them in the process before the deadline for applications.”

Deputy Labey added: “I am supportive of our fishermen and will help them with the applications. We will see what the outcome is before moving on to the next stage.”